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Friday, May 30, 2014

The National Quilting Association (NQA), a very traditional quilt show, was in town. I have entered "traditional" kwilts in this show before.For the first time a "modern" quilt category was offered. I was curious how the "traditional" judges would judge "modern" kwilts.Sew....

COMMA.JUST.COMMA

My "modern" entry was judged. Made with my favorite fabric of all time, COMMA (hence the name) by Zen Chic

in a wonky impromptu modern pluses designThanks Jeni Baker, In Color Order for the tutorial.

The judges liked the color and fabric choices/overall design, they suggested a smaller kwilting stitch;

better care to line up block intersections; and thought more overall kwilting was needed. I didn't kwilt the crosses...just the 4 quadrants. Judges didn't realize that was a design choice.

They also liked the "gray" color for my binding but indicated my technique needs improvement...hmmm

a bit more detail here would've been helpful.

AND there was no mention about the backing designwhich is a big deal in "modern" kwilts!-------------------------------------------------

My second kwilt was not judged and entered in the "Going Green" exhibit.

HOUSE DRESSINGS was made from my Mom's house dresses and a very healing kwilt for me after she passed.

As I walked toward this one unexpected tears began to fill my eyes as I thought...

Mom...can you see it? Are "you" proud of my work?(Mom was a kwilter)For me...this was the BEST OF SHOW in my heart!

Here's what I have learned about "judgement of a kwilt"in any kwilt show. I don't care about winning ribbons or prizes...on any given day a judge may like or dislike the kwilt they are judging.There will always be kwilts in the show that are waaaay beyond what I want to do in kwilt making.

Constructive feedback from the judgesis always helpful and I respect their opinions.However, one must read it with an open mind.I enjoy the process of making my kwilts and love seeing them hang in shows. I like stepping back and listening to comments by the "people" looking at my kwilts.I invest a lot of time and money in my passion. And all that beautiful fabric is stunning, hanging in a show.If only to my eyes.I am NOT and will never be a kwilting perfectionist.The kwilt police will never stop my creativity.

Giveaway is open to all, will close Friday 5/18 Random number winner selection. (Leave your email in your comment if you are a no reply blogger). Due to the number of comments I will receive... I will thank you all now and wish you best of luck!

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Beginning TODAY and every other Saturday from May to JulyAnna over at Life Sew Crafty is hosting

Why? Because Anna's MIL, Tina, is no longer a statistic of the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.Tina is now fighting the fight of her life.

This fight is near and dear to me because many of my friends have been diagnosed with breast cancer.I am also a proud volunteer at The James Stitching Sisterswho make kwilts for cancer patients going thru treatmentshere in Columbus, OHSince 2005 JSS has given out over 8,000 kwilts

For this hop you will find pink blocks being made by participants, for a kwilt being donated toThe Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion in MichiganHere is my tutorial for a SCRAPPY SQAURE BLOCKGrab those pink scraps!

and build a quick scrappy block!

Begin with a fun scrap for the center of the block(like these fun scissors)

Keep sewing pieces from your scraps to each side of the center block.

Sew the pieces using 1/4" seam and press

Trim the edges after pressing to square up the block

Build the block to the "unfinished" size you need.Use this simple formula SCRAP, SEW, PRESS, TRIM

My finished block is a 12 1/2" square.

Anna can use this size as is, or trim it down to fit wherever needed.Because its SCRAPPY it is size forgiving and designer wise!